Alycia Baumgardner has at all times had a fighting spirit. Growing up in a family of fighters, she didn’t just learn methods to box – she embodied it. Her journey to becoming the undisputed super featherweight champion began long before she ever placed on gloves. In fact, the boxing champion was only 4 years old when she first wrestled, and then eight when her dad asked the query that defined her future: “Do you want to box?” Her answer was easy and confident: “Yes, I will box.” Looking back, she recalls the innocence of the choice and notes, “I didn’t even know what I was getting into, but it just felt right.”

Living in Fremont, Ohio, Baumgardner’s introduction to boxing didn’t come from watching legends or studying tapes. Instead, her skills were influenced by family influences and a gaggle of coaches who saw her potential and helped her refine her craft. “I didn’t grow up watching boxing much,” she said. “Because of my athleticism and the teachers I worked with, I was able to really shape my style.” Her combat is flexible – she will be able to fight, move and outsmart her opponents with technical finesse. But what really drove her forward was her belief that “one day they would have to respect that.”

This respect intensified as the favored athlete quickly rose through the ranks, winning the WBC, IBO, WBO, IBF and The Ring titles by 2022. Her technical and relentless style made her a fearsome opponent. But outside the ring, she also accepted something that is commonly marginalized in boxing: her femininity. As ESSENCE says, “It’s important to accept it because that’s who I am as a woman.” For her, it’s about balance – the mix of beauty and beast. “You can be a beautiful woman and fight at the same time,” she says, capturing the duality that makes her a novel figure in women’s boxing.

Outside the ring, Baumgardner’s interests are as diverse as her boxing style. He finds time to maintain a diary. It’s a habit he maintains at the very least twice every week and documents the ups and downs of his life. “It’s just updates on my life,” he explains, seeing it as a method to reflect and grow. She can be a passionate advocate for well-being, each spiritual and physical, and is proud to offer back to her community. From teaching self-defense to women in Detroit to handing out turkeys through the holidays, she strives to be a positive influence on those round her. Her recent visits to HBCUs to encourage young fans are a testament to this commitment as she encourages them to develop into confident and pursue their dreams.

For the talented boxer, her place in athletics goes beyond titles and belts. “Being the face of women’s boxing is a blessing,” she says. “Because of my story and what I can offer outside the ring, I can reach so many people. It’s more than just a sport.” He sees his role as a legacy creator, known not only for his victories, but also for the words he shares and the impact he makes. “People won’t remember me just because of the stripes,” he insists. “They’ll remember what I said, what I told that young girl who dreamed of being a champion one day.”

However, her journey is just not without obstacles. As a black woman in a male-dominated sport, the boxing star faced challenges, often feeling like she stood out in a world where she didn’t see many individuals who looked like her. Reflecting on her experiences, she says, “Being a young black girl with muscles wasn’t common. But I at all times believed that someday people would respect my work ethic. This belief continues to drive her as she tries to balance the demands of her sport with the pressures of being an influential figure.

Last September, Alycia faced an unexpected defeat during her highly anticipated match against Delfine Persoon at Trilith Studios in Atlanta. The fight was fierce and she was determined to defend her undisputed super featherweight title. In the fourth round, a cut to Persoon’s right eye – attributable to an accidental clash of heads – forced the ringside doctor to declare the fight, resulting in a no-contest ruling. Although the choice was unexpected, she viewed it as a brief setback fairly than a setback, exuding the identical resilience that has defined her profession.

Looking ahead, the 30-12 months-old’s goals remain clear. She is committed to her craft, her community, and inspiring the following generation of warriors. And although the challenges ahead could also be difficult, she is grounded in her faith and her purpose. “Prayer is important,” he says. “I always believed I was destined to become something great, and through obstacles I learned to overcome them.”

Baumgardner’s journey is characterised by fortitude, grace and undeniable strength – a real testament to her belief that, in boxing and in life, every defeat is a chance to rise again. As she continues to coach, mentor others and push the boundaries of the game, she shows that her fight goes far beyond titles; it’s about redefining life’s possibilities.

Can we collectively sigh over the burden we’ve felt since November 5?

Without a doubt, the election season has been a source of enormous stress and anxiety, leaving many individuals disillusioned, indignant and anxious about the future – each personally and collectively. As we watch with great concern as the Trump administration’s pick circus unfolds, it is time to practice self-care. Some people seek solace in travel, hoping to flee the emotional burden of the unknown and regain strength in a friendlier environment. I’m one in all those people.

Whether it is a quick jaunt to a close-by city or an prolonged sightseeing trip, travel can provide a much-needed break from the intensity of the political climate. As someone who likes to travel (in any situation) to unwind, listed below are a few of my favorite country locations and wellness spots that promise rest, rejuvenation, and a probability to reconnect with yourself.

No matter where you go, visiting any of those places can do wonders on your mental health.

I really like smaller cities that offer the same excitement as neighboring, larger cities. You’ll find it in Carmel-by-the-Sea, a captivating seaside village filled with fairytale cottages. It’s just a few hours south of cities like San Francisco and San Jose, but with scenic views of the Pacific Coast, it’s value the drive. Secret passageways and courtyards make it the perfect place to wander away in between exploring the small shops, cafes, art galleries and native markets. It all appears like you’re inside a storybook. Of course, the place called “by the sea” also has wonderful beaches. I stayed at Carmel Beach Hotel and each morning I might take a 5-minute walk to Carmel Beach across the street to look at the sunrise and eat breakfast amidst the sound of the crashing waves. For wildlife lovers, Point Lobos State Wildlife Refuge it’s an interesting place to walk along the coast and watch whales, seals and sea otters.

Florida stays one in all hottest tourist destinations in the country, and plenty of people visit Orlando for the theme parks. However, about 25 minutes from downtown is Lake Nona, an up-and-coming community that is an actual gem. Stretching roughly 27 miles, the location is ideal for many who need to relax and move at a leisurely pace, away from the tourist traps and crowded areas. There are several green areas on site, including a sculpture garden and bicycle paths. You’ll need to stay Hotel Fala to enjoy a wellness weekend. Their spa is rated one in all the best in Orlando, and each visit comes with access to the Lake Nona Performance Club, which offers bar-side fitness, yoga and respiratory classes. Wave offers live music and kid-friendly events comparable to a movie night in the garden, so it is a fun place to rejuvenate with the whole family.

When I feel of wellness destinations, one in all the first places that involves mind is Mii Amo in Sedona. It is positioned in the vortex of Boynton Canyon, a secluded hideaway known for its spiritual and healing practices. This makes it ideal for decompression and resetting. Each day of your stay includes spa credits that might be used for traditional services comparable to facials and massages. You may go a little bit deeper using hypnosis, past life regression evaluation, or aura readings. Of course, the surroundings of the red mountains also allow for stargazing and climbing. It’s a singular zen experience that prepares you to face adversity.

Everything at the Umstead Hotel in Cary, North Carolina, from the personalized turndown service to the lake views, is designed to encourage rest. They uniquely mix art, wellness and nature to make sure a peaceful stay. While there may be stunning art throughout the hotel, the real star of the property is the spa at the Umstead Hotel. Before each treatment, you can quickly while away your day by visiting the sauna, steam room, swimming pool or meditation courtyard. You’ll need to book the Piedmont Experience, a full-body acupressure treatment that releases tension. My favorite part is the little goody bag you receive after leaving the spa to proceed relaxing in the days to return.

Twin Farms is the place to pamper yourself because it is the only five-star all-inclusive resort in the state that combines rest, adventure and nature immersion. The property is ideal for couples, solo travelers or friends, and a must-see for many who enjoy adventure and a little bit of rest. (If you haven’t got another holiday trips or meetings planned, it’s value the splurge). As winter approaches, you can try your hand at activities comparable to ice skating, sledding, and snowshoeing. There are also loads of wellness activities available, comparable to yoga, guided meditation, maze walks, and a Japanese onsen bathhouse tucked away in the forest for ultimate peace and quiet.

The Spark Fund, the results of the collaboration Global Children’s Fund AND Imperativelaunched a youth-led initiative to provide $200,000 in grants to support Atlanta-based organizations focused on Black men’s mental health.

The initiative consists of a panel of black men aged 18-30 who were supplied with educational tools to assist them with the grantmaking process and equal opportunity training. The men then researched and chosen five organizations, each of which received a $40,000 grant.

Recipients: Black Male Initiative Georgia, Close Ties Leadership Program, Silence the Shame and The Counseling Brothers of Atlanta.

“As a 21-year-old Black man, I believe it is important to support the mental health of young Black men and boys because they face unique challenges related to systemic racism and societal expectations.” he said Kenneth Jones, Spark fund participant. “By supporting mental health, we can help break the stigma around seeking help and promote emotional well-being in our community.”

Dr. Avery Rosser, president and CEO of The Counseling Brothers of Atlanta, expressed gratitude for receiving the scholarship.

“These funds will allow us to provide free and limited counseling services to Black boys and men in Atlanta, ensuring they have access to the support they deserve,” Rosser said in a news release. “Additionally, we will be able to offer specialized training for mental health professionals, helping them better understand and address the unique experiences of Black men in counseling.”

A study conducted by Forbes shows that Georgia within the rating 49/50 when it comes to access to care. Other barriers to mental health take care of black men include inadequate insurance and a scarcity of mental health care facilities. According to research conducted by the American Psychiatric Association Black men represent just 4 percent of mental health professionals, which can contribute to the shortage of culturally competent mental health professionals amongst black men.